The way in which mobile DJs and other music lovers listen to their favourite artists has taken another turn, as Apple announces the launch of its Apple Music streaming service, which will also involve a 24-hour live radio broadcast and an app that lets music fans connect with artists.

Announced yesterday (Monday the 8th of June), the new Apple Music service is set to challenge other streaming services such as Spotify and Tidal by combining the features currently favoured by music consumers across the web.

Apple Music will offer a similar service to Spotify, with a recommendation-based element that sees both human curators (music business insiders and artists) and algorithms suggesting new music and personalised playlists for users. Subscribers will also have access to Apple Music Connect, which lets artists share media content and exclusive releases with fans via their iPhone, while users can comment using social media and even chat directly to the artist.

Meanwhile, a free digital radio station – Apple Music Radio (Beats 1) – will broadcast 24-hours a day, with former-BBC presenter Zane Lowe, as well as others, already lined up to host. This digital radio service will be accessible to the public, not just subscribers.

“Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists,” said Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Dr Dre’s Beats Electronics, which was purchased by Apple last year. “Online music has become a complicated mess of apps, services and websites. Apple Music brings the best features together for an experience every music lover will appreciate.”

“We love music, and the new Apple Music service puts an incredible experience at every fan’s fingertips,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “All the ways people love enjoying music come together in one app — a revolutionary streaming service, live worldwide radio and an exciting way for fans to connect with artists.”

Apple Music will be available from the 30th of June 2015, though no UK prices have been announced yet. Apple is offering all users a 3-month free trial, after which the service will cost the approximate equivalent of $9.99 per month, while family plans will also be available.

In the UK, Apple Music will be available on all iOS devices, as well as for Mac and Windows computers. The service will be available for Android phones/tablets and Apple TV later this year.